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Dhanuk Jodo Yatra

Dhanuk Jodo Yatra (Hindi: धानुक जोड़ो यात्रा) is a community-based social mobilisation initiative launched in December 2024 by the Akhil Bhartiya Dhanuk Ekta Mahasangh in the Indian state of Bihar. The initiative aims to promote social cohesion, collective identity and socio-economic empowerment within the Dhanuk community through grassroots engagement, public dialogue and cultural outreach. The yatra commenced on 19 December 2024 in Madhubani district, Bihar, and continues through village-level meetings, awareness programmes and community assemblies.

Background

The Dhanuk community is a historically marginalised social group primarily located in Bihar and adjoining regions. In recent decades, community organisations have sought to promote education, political participation and social organisation as pathways to empowerment.

The initiative is organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Dhanuk Ekta Mahasangh, a national-level social organisation engaged in advocacy for cultural recognition, educational advancement and socio-economic development of the Dhanuk community.

Objectives

The principal objectives of the Dhanuk Jodo Yatra include:

  • strengthening social cohesion and organisational capacity within the Dhanuk community;
  • increasing awareness of constitutional rights, public welfare schemes and educational opportunities;
  • encouraging youth and women's participation in social and civic life; and
  • facilitating collective approaches to addressing socio-economic challenges.

Course of the initiative

The yatra began in Madhubani district and subsequently moved through multiple rural localities in northern Bihar. It involved public meetings, community dialogues and cultural programmes designed to disseminate information, foster collective reflection and encourage participation in community organisation.

Organisers have announced that a second phase of the yatra is scheduled to be launched in 2026, with a focus on expanding outreach and strengthening organisational structures.

Cultural outreach and campaign song

Cultural outreach constitutes an important component of the Dhanuk Jodo Yatra. A campaign song was developed to communicate its themes of unity, social justice and collective agency in an accessible cultural form. The song is performed during village meetings, public gatherings and cultural programmes associated with the yatra.

The lyrics were written by filmmaker and cultural activist N. Mandal, who also serves as a national executive member and cultural affairs minister of the Akhil Bhartiya Dhanuk Ekta Mahasangh.

Organiser

The Akhil Bhartiya Dhanuk Ekta Mahasangh functions as the principal organising body of the Dhanuk Jodo Yatra. The organisation undertakes advocacy, community education and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and promoting socio-economic advancement of the Dhanuk community.

See also

References